UN seeks $6 billion to ease ‘appalling’ suffering in Sudan
Appeal represents 40 percent increase from 2024 amid tight budgets
UN plan is most ambitious globally, aiming to reach 21 mln people
Updated 17 February 2025
Reuters
GENEVA: The United Nations said on Monday it is seeking $6 billion for Sudan this year from international donors to help ease suffering in what it called one of the most devastating crises of our times, characterised by mass displacement and growing famine.
The UN appeal represents a rise of more than 40 percent from last year’s for Sudan at a time when aid budgets around the world are under increasing strain, partly due to a pause in funding announced by US President Donald Trump last month that has affected life-saving programs across the globe.
But the UN says the funds are necessary because the impact of the 22-month war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — that has already displaced a fifth of its population and stoked severe hunger among around half its population — looks set to worsen.
“Sudan is a humanitarian emergency of shocking proportions,” said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher ahead of the launch. “Famine is taking hold. An epidemic of sexual violence rages. Children are being killed and injured. The suffering is appalling.”
Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, the UN statement said, adding that this was set to worsen with continued fighting and the collapse of basic services.
One of the famine-stricken camps was attacked by the RSF last week as the paramilitary group tries to tighten its grip on its Darfur stronghold.
While some aid agencies say they have received waivers from Washington to provide aid in Sudan, uncertainty remains on the extent of coverage for providing famine relief.
The UN plan aims to reach nearly 21 million people within the country, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response so far for 2025, and requires $4.2 billion — the rest being for those displaced by the conflict.
The enduring legacy of the Saudi state’s first charitable institution
Sibalat Modhi was a community center that provided free education and accommodation
Its patron, Princess Modhi, wife of the First Saudi State’s founding father, was known for her devotion to teaching and philanthropy
Updated 13 min 32 sec ago
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: Princess Modhi bint Sultan bin Abi Wahtan, who touched the lives of many through her charitable acts, was one of the best-known figures of the First Saudi State, renowned for her philanthropy, generosity and commitment to education.
“In the rich tapestry of the Arabian Peninsula’s history, few figures stand as prominently as Princess Modhi bint Sultan, one of the most influential women of Diriyah and Saudi Arabia,” Faisal Al-Amer, research management and validation senior manager at the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, told Arab News.
“Princess Modhi’s impact during the formation of the First Saudi State in 1727 was both tangible and transformative.”
As the wife of Imam Mohammed bin Saud, the founding father of the First Saudi State, and mother of Imam Abdulaziz, its second imam, Princess Modhi’s influence extended far beyond her familial roles; her legacy and influence live on in through the history of the community center known as Sibalat Modhi, of which she was patron.
Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock, including camels and horses, and secure storage for their merchandise and trading goods. All classes of society, especially travelers and the needy in Diriyah, benefited from the charity it offered, Al-Amer said.
Princess Modhi also actively contributed to educational initiatives and “was renowned for her exceptional religious knowledge and deep understanding of Islamic law,” he added.
“She played a pivotal role in early education during the First Saudi State, challenging the notion that learning was exclusively male-dominated.”
Sibalat Modhi provided charitable accommodation for merchants, pilgrims and wayfarers, complete with facilities for their livestock. (Supplied by DGDA)
Sibalat Modhi evolved into a “center of learning” that provided opportunities even for students from outside the Arabian Peninsula to study in Diriyah.
“A distinctive feature was its southern mosque, which served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for religious education,” Al-Amer said.
The center also provided resources such as books and manuscripts for students, as well as financial assistance and accommodation for the diverse group of scholars who traveled to it. Its location within At-Turaif district, the First Saudi State’s historic seat of governance and royal residence, reflected the important role it played in Saudi society.
Sibalat Modhi exemplified the “enduring values of generous giving, compassion for those in need, social cohesion, and the nurturing of strong community bonds that have characterized Saudi society from its founding to the present day,” Al-Amer said.
In addition to her charitable accomplishments, Princess Modhi was also a close confidante for her husband, Imam Mohammed.
“Her role during the state’s establishment was undeniably significant, as she provided steadfast support and valuable counsel,” Al-Amer said.
“Her position as a special advisor to Imam Mohammed bin Saud proved particularly crucial during the challenging formative period of the Saudi state.”
Her guidance “proved instrumental in molding Abdulaziz’s leadership qualities, leaving an enduring impact on his character as a ruler,” he added.
Ruler of Kuwait congratulates Saudi leadership on Founding Day
Updated 20 min 17 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ruler of Kuwait has congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people in observance of Saudi Founding Day.
Kuwait Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the occasion of Saudi Founding Day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In the cable, Sheikh Meshal praised the remarkable achievements made by Saudi Arabia in various fields which has solidified its regional and global standing.
Saudi Arabia declared February 22 an official date in observance of Saudi Founding Day. It dates back to three centuries ago, when the first Saudi state was established in 1727 during the leadership of Imam Muhammad bin Saud.
KARACHI: Health authorities have confirmed third case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) of this year in the southern province of Sindh, the country’s polio program said on Saturday.
The polio program said the latest polio case was confirmed in Larkana district, the second case reported in Sindh this year. Authorities earlier confirmed a polio case in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of 5 is essential to provide children high immunity against the disease.
Pakistan this month concluded its first nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2025, with 99 percent of the targets achieved, according to the polio program. The campaign, conducted on Feb. 3-9, vaccinated more than 45 million children.
“We urge parents and caregivers to actively participate in these campaigns and ensure that children receive polio vaccine,” the polio program said in a statement.
Pakistan witnessed an intense resurgence of polio virus last year, with a total of 74 cases reported nationwide. Of these, 27 were from Balochistan, 22 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23 from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries in the world where polio remains an endemic.
Immunization campaigns have succeeded in most countries and have come close in Pakistan, but persistent problems remain. In the early 1990s, Pakistan reported around 20,000 cases annually but in 2018 the number dropped to eight cases. Six cases were reported in 2023 and only one in 2021.
Pakistan’s polio program began in 1994 but efforts to eradicate the virus have since been undermined by vaccine misinformation and opposition from some religious hard-liners who say immunization is a foreign ploy to sterilize Muslim children or a cover for Western spies. Militant groups also frequently attack and kill members of polio vaccine teams.
Startup of the Week — KSA’s Quantum to scale its ad tech platform following $7m funding round
Updated 22 February 2025
Nour El-Shaeri
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s advertisement space is set to see a new level of data analysis after startup Quantum banked $7 million to boost its technology and expansion plans.
The Riyadh-based ad tech firm, founded by Omar Malaikah and Sara Bin Ladin in 2020, plans to use the funds from its pre-series-A round to scale its operations, enhance its platform and explore new markets, solidifying its position in the region’s growing digital advertising ecosystem.
In an interview with Arab News, Malaikah described the funding as a “huge milestone,” highlighting its significance beyond a financial boost.
“It’s not just about the money; it’s about what it enables us to do. We’re now in a position to scale our operations, refine our platform, and explore new markets with confidence. It also reinforces that our vision for transforming adtech is resonating with the right people,” he said.
The round, led by HearstLab, marks the global media investment firm’s first-ever Middle East investment.
“We’re incredibly proud to have HearstLab on board. As their first investment in the Middle East, it’s a validation (of) the unique value Quantum brings to the market,” Malaikah said.
“They were drawn to our ability to bridge the gap between advertisers and publishers in a way that’s both efficient and transparent. Their expertise in media and technology is going to be a game-changer for us as we push forward.”
Quantum’s platform directly connects advertisers with publishers.
“At its core, Quantum is about making ad buying smarter and simpler,” Malaikah explained. “Advertisers can use our platform to directly buy premium ad space, cutting out a lot of inefficiencies and middlemen. For publishers, it’s about better monetizing their inventory. We’re solving the pain points both sides have faced for years — things like high costs, lack of transparency, and complicated processes.”
Omar Malaikah, CEO and founder of Riyadh-based ad tech firm Quantum. (Supplied)
With the funding, Quantum plans to focus on expanding its market presence, starting with the Gulf Cooperation Council region and later targeting international opportunities.
“The GCC is our immediate focus, but we’re also looking at other markets with high growth potential, like Southeast Asia,” Malaikah said. “These regions have similar challenges in the ad tech space, and we see a lot of opportunities to bring our solutions there.”
Quantum also plans to refine its technology and add new features to its platform. “We’re investing in new features to stay ahead of the curve and provide even more value to our clients,” said Malaikah. “Growing our sales and client base is a big priority too, as we want to build on the momentum we’ve already achieved.”
The company has already gained strong traction since its founding in 2018, working with high-profile clients including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestle, Goody, and Almarai.
“Since launching in 2018, we’ve achieved some amazing things,” Malaikah said. “We’ve grown our client base significantly, established strong partnerships, and gained recognition as a leader in the adtech space in the region. Being the first GCC company to secure investment from HearstLab is another big highlight for us.”
Quantum’s data-driven approach to advertising is central to its appeal. “Data is at the heart of what we do,” Malaikah emphasized, adding: “Our platform gives advertisers deep insights into how their campaigns are performing, which helps them make smarter decisions and get better results. It’s all about maximizing the return on their investment.”
He also shared a notable success story, saying: “One client in retail, for example, used our platform to increase their ROI by 40 percent, which was a real validation of our model.”
Revenue growth is another key target for Quantum, and Malaikah said: “While I can’t share exact numbers just yet, our goal is to double our revenue in the next year by expanding our client base and entering new markets. It’s an ambitious target, but one we’re ready to meet.”
As the company grows, it is also scaling its workforce, with a focus on hiring both locally and internationally. “We’re definitely hiring,” Malaikah said, adding: “We’re focusing on building our local talent in Saudi Arabia, but we’re also looking at international hires to bring in specialized expertise. Growing the team is a big priority as we scale.
Partnerships are a key element of Quantum’s strategy moving forward. “Partnerships are a big part of our growth strategy,” he explained. “While acquisitions aren’t on the immediate horizon, we’re always exploring ways to collaborate with companies that align with our vision and can help us grow faster.”
With its streamlined platform, advanced data analytics, and strategic growth plans, Quantum aims to reshape ad tech in the Middle East and beyond.
“Right now, our focus is on scaling the platform and expanding our market reach,” Malaikah said, underlining the company’s commitment to driving innovation in the sector.
Building Quantum during the pandemic presented unique challenges, particularly in establishing trust with clients without face-to-face interactions.
“But we adapted quickly — leaning heavily on digital communication and proving the value of our platform through results,” said Malaikah.
“Sara and I started Quantum because we saw a massive gap in the advertising market. Advertisers and publishers were frustrated by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency. We knew we could build something better — something that really met their needs.”
Looking ahead, Quantum has ambitious plans: “In three to five years, we see Quantum as a global player in adtech. Our goal is to be the go-to platform for advertisers and publishers looking for efficiency, transparency and results. We’re excited to scale, innovate and keep driving the industry forward.”
Time for a date: Saudi treat ripe for delivering economic nourishment
Updated 22 February 2025
Reem Walid
RIYADH: The inclusion of a date palm edged by crossed swords in the Saudi emblem reflects the deep-rooted cultural and economic value attached to the fruit in the Kingdom.
Symbolizing the essence of Arabian hospitality and holding a fundamental role in the daily life of people in the Kingdom, it is little surprise that over the past few years Saudi Arabia has worked on international and local initiatives that have contributed to raising the market value of dates.
This has led to the establishment of the National Center for Palms and Dates and the International Dates Council, with the membership consisting of 11 producing countries.
There are more than 33 million palm trees in Saudi Arabia — representing 27 percent of the total number in the world — while the number of palm agricultural holdings in the Kingdom has reached 123,000.
According to Market Research Future, the date market is projected to grow from $120 million in 2023 to $220 million by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 5.22 percent.
Global and local initiatives’ contribution to elevating the dates market value
Saudi Arabia is actively promoting its dates as a top-tier product in global markets through various channels.
Engagements in worldwide food expos like Gulfood and SIAL, alongside targeted campaigns, have boosted recognition and interest in the fruit.
By emphasizing the country’s rich cultural and historical ties to dates, these branding initiatives are amplifying the attractiveness of Saudi dates to a broader audience.
According to Ibrahim El-Basyoni, a plant breeding and genetics research scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Kingdom is bringing together date-producing and consuming nations to promote the global industry.
“It has facilitated knowledge exchange, trade partnerships, and coordinated efforts to position dates as a staple food worldwide,” El-Basyoni told Arab News.
Ibrahim S. El-Basyoni, plant breeding and genetics research scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. (Supplied)
“It also advocates for increased global consumption of dates by highlighting their nutritional benefits,” he added.
Saudi Arabia is also advancing date cultivation through research, development, and farmer training programs.
El-Basyoni shed light on how the country advocates the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and sustainable practices to significantly enhance the production and quality of dates.
“Through collaborations with Saudi entities, KAUST is working to preserve Saudi Arabia’s historic date palm cultivars by creating an electronic date palm atlas. Additionally, the collaboration aims to boost production by introducing improved cultivars and implementing advanced agricultural practices and technologies, such as regenerative and smart agriculture,” he said.
Zooming into specific regions in the Kingdom, dates are the strongest agricultural asset in AlUla due to their economic value and dominance.
In fact, the Royal Commission for AlUla’s strategy includes a dedicated pillar for dates, with a vision to elevate the international profile of dates from the region, particularly the AlUla Barni variety.
Abdullah Al-Hameid, director of the agriculture center at RCU, explained that this is primarily supported by enabling initiatives focused on adopting efficient and resource-sustainable production practices.
There is also a drive to achieve research and innovation excellence in Barni production, establish AlUla dates as a benchmark of quality internationally, and expand date processing capabilities and diversify value-added product portfolios.
“These align with Saudi Arabia’s vision to sustainably develop agriculture. The RCU Agriculture Strategy is fully synchronized with the national agenda and sectoral strategies, ensuring RCU contributes to these goals,” Al-Hameid said.
Abdullah Alhameid, director of the Agriculture Center, Royal Commission for AlUla. (Supplied)
“RCU has established a partnership with the National Center for Palms and Dates, which has proven successful over the past five years. This includes NCPD’s involvement in organizing the AlUla Dates Festival and the development of export guidelines for AlUla Mabroom dates,” he added.
The dates auction in AlUla marked the initial stage of NCPD’s Seasonal Dates Market, designed to lay the foundation for trading in Saudi Arabia, positioning AlUla as a benchmark for other regions in the country.
Enhanced marketing strategies, both domestically and globally, have elevated the worth of AlUla dates.
“Marketing improvements, locally and internationally, have boosted the value of AlUla dates. The 2024 Dates Auction demonstrated remarkable progress, with over 800 participants — a 45 percent increase in farmer participation,” Al-Hameid said.
The scientist added: “The auction recorded sales of 1.7 million kilograms of dates, generating SR8.8 million ($2.34 million). Additionally, 2.3 million kilograms were sold outside auction, adding SR12 million.”
He went on to explain how over the years, the average price per kilogram rose from SR6.7 in the first 2021 auction to SR10.3 in 2023, with Mabroom dates fetching SR 50 per kilogram.
“To celebrate the diversity of AlUla’s agriculture, the Dates Festival has been integrated into AlUla’s Fresh Produce Season. This includes the Summer Fruits Season, Dates Season, Peregrina Season, and Citrus Season,” Al-Hameid said.
“AlUla Fresh Produce Season showcases AlUla’s agricultural products and raises global awareness of an internationally recognized brand for AlUla products, enhancing their appeal and entry into new markets,” he added.
Al-Hameid cited RCU’s recent sponsoring of a pioneering export trial to facilitate the entry of AlUla Mabroom dates into Germany as an example of trying to expand sales across Europe.
How Saudi Arabia is leveraging the country’s global palm tree population to lead industry
Saudi Arabia’s role as home to a significant portion of the global palm tree population offers a strong foundation for the Kingdom to lead the industry.
With this comes a responsibility to pioneer environmentally friendly date farming practices, meaning the Kingdom is prioritizing enhancing resource efficiency — particularly in water usage — and implementing advanced agricultural practices to maximize production and ensure sustainability.
From KAUST’s point of view, a key initiative is the introduction of the Saudi Dates Mark, a quality certification that guarantees compliance with international food safety and quality standards.
“This certification will enhance the global reputation of Saudi dates as a premium product. Additionally, efforts to promote iconic varieties such as Ajwa, Majdool, Sukkary, and Khalas have further boosted their appeal in competitive international markets,” El-Basyoni said on KAUST’s behalf.
Saudi Arabia’s export strategy emphasizes meeting global market preferences by offering organic and value-added date products, including date syrup, date paste, and date-based snacks.
“Collaborative efforts with KAUST are driving innovation in the industry by improving productivity, combating pests, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of palm cultivation,” El-Basyoni said.
The Kingdom also actively participates in international forums and exhibitions to position Saudi dates as a key player in the global food market.
Beyond traditional offerings, Saudi Arabia is expanding into value-added products, such as energy bars, health supplements, and premium gift packaging.
“These innovations cater to a diverse range of consumers, including health-conscious individuals and luxury markets. Advanced packaging and processing technologies have further extended the shelf life of dates and improved convenience, aligning with the evolving demands of international consumers,” the KAUST representative highlighted.
Potential growth opportunities that Saudi Arabia envisions for its date industry
Saudi Arabia envisions substantial growth opportunities for its date industry, both domestically and internationally, as it seeks to position itself as a global leader in production and trade of the fruit.
These initiatives and research goals are strongly aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and increasing non-oil exports.
From KAUST’s point of view, by prioritizing the date industry, these efforts leverage Saudi Arabia’s natural resources and cultural heritage to support the vision’s objectives.
“The growth prospects for the date industry, spanning value-added product innovations, international market expansion, sustainability, and cultural preservation will underscore its vital role in the Kingdom’s economic transformation,” El-Basyoni said.
Meanwhile, RCU is committed to enhancing recognition of AlUla dates through best-in-class practices, leveraging research and development, improving market access, and building superior processing capabilities.
According to Al-Hameid, when it comes to adopting efficient and resource-sustainable production practices, RCU is spearheading the AlUla Irrigation Transformation Project to introduce advanced water-saving techniques, phasing out flood and surface irrigation.
The entity is also developing Good Agricultural Practices and organic production standards, he said, adding: “In 2024, the RCU Agriculture Center held over 95 training sessions for more than 1,500 date farmers in 18 villages on best agriculture practices.”
The director explained that this contributed to achieving an extra 250 Saudi Date Mark, ensuring compliance with the NCPD standards.
“We aim for 70 percent of AlUla dates to be accredited and certified by 2035,” Al-Hameid said.
“The Integrated Pest Management program ensures the health and economic viability of date farms. In 2024, approximately 2 million date palm trees have been surveyed and managed as per international pest control standards to ensure compliance with demand for high-quality dates that match food safety requirements,” he added.
Another key area is achieving research and innovation excellence in Barni production, while expanding processing capabilities and diversifying product portfolio are also in focus.
“RCU is developing two advanced processing facilities (Farmers Hubs) for AlUla dates, focusing on enhancing the value of by-products and creating new value-added products for lower-quality dates to maximize value,” he concluded.
